BMW unveils 3.0-litre engine

BMW has confirmed details of a new 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine which will soon be fitted to the 3 Series range. The engine was unveiled at the Detroit motor show as the entry level power plant for the new X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, which was also shown for the first time. The upper level engine for the X5 is a 4.4-litre V8. BMW is expected to eventually replace its 2.8-litre straight-six engine with the new 3.0-litre unit across its range, starting with the 3 Series Convertible. The 3 Series Convertible was shown publicly for the first time this week at the Detroit show with the 2.5-litre engine. It will be the mainstream engine for the next generation 5 Series sedan, which is expected to be released in 2002 but may appear before then to give the current 5 Series range a boost. The new engine has impressive power figures, producing 164kW compared with 142kW for the 2.8-litre. Torque increases from 280Nm to 300Nm. At the same time, the entry level 2.5-litre engine is expected to be extended to 2.7 litres but the existing V8 engines are said to remain largely unchanged. BMW has high hopes for the X5, its first entry into the fast growing crossover vehicle market. Though equipped with a range of electronic controls designed mainly for off-road - such as Hill Descent Control and an Automatic Differential Brake - BMW is well aware that few X5s will venture off the tarmac. Revised specifications BMW Australia has revised its model specifications for the 2000 model year.The entry level 318i loses leather upholstery, cruise control and alloy wheels but comes down in price by almost $3000 to $51,500.To get the features previously standard on the entry level model, you must now order the new 318i Executive priced at $55,500, an increase of $1130.Another change to the 3 Series line-up is the introduction of the 316i Exclusive at $42,450 including alloy wheels, leather and metallic paint.There are numerous specification changes to the 5 Series and 7 Series sedans, including availability of Voice Control in the bigger car as a $900 option. This enables hands-free use of the phone and navigation functions.